Cork await GAC verdict on incidents in Kerry clash

GAC officials will conclude their investigations into the ill-tempered NFL tie between Kerry and Cork tomorrow night.

The game, which was won by the hosts in Austin Stack Park on February 7, produced two controversial incidents. Cork forward Padraig Griffin received a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident late in the first-half while Kerry's Paul Galvin required a visit to hospital following an altercation with a Cork player after the final whistle.

At Cork's request under a recently passed rule the GAC agreed to review the first incident, which led to Griffin being red-carded after referee Michael Ryan from Limerick consulted with his umpires.

The referee subsequently reported the Clonakilty player for 'striking.'

The Cork executive decided on this course of action after consultation with the team management and the fact that television pictures did not prove conclusive.

It's understood one of the umpires also informed Ryan that Galvin had been struck by a Cork substitute.

The GAC may also be in a position to finalise its investigation of a serious incident in the AIB All-Ireland club hurling semi-final on February 15, between Portumna and Dunloy .

A brawl developed shortly before the interval involving players from both sides. Referee Barry Kelly issued yellow cards to two Portumna players and one from Dunloy.

Meanwhile, Derek Kavanagh will miss Cork's vital Allianz NFL clash with champions Tyrone in Omagh on Sunday. The Nemo Rangers man damaged a hamstring in a challenge game on Saturday.

Several others , Colin Corkery (calf), Maurice McCarthy (hamstring), Conrad Murphy (hamstring) and Jim O'Donoghue (shoulder) are all injured . However John Miskella is set return to the panel after a lengthy lay-off.

Gavin Devlin will be available for Tyrone . He was married last Friday but will cut short his honeymoon to play in this crunch tie. The champions' challenge is further strengthened by the availability of Shane O'Neill who returns after a two-week ban.

Unbeaten Limerick have been boosted by the availability of John Galvin, Diarmuid Sheehy, Stephen Lavin, and Michael Reidy for Sunday's clash with Galway. However, manager Liam Kearns admits their return will cause some selection headaches.

"I suppose it's a nice problem to have," said Kearns. "It may be a bit early for them.

"Stephen Lucey is my one worry. He will be on Fitzgibbon Cup duty this weekend with UCD, and as captain of the team will be desperately keen to pick up another winner's medal.

"We'll have to wait on him as he could be involved in the final on Saturday. Should he come through injury free, I'd have no worries about him"